You know preschool is important: these are the formative years of your child’s life. If you’re here, you already understand that the environment you choose for your child will have a profound impact on their growth and development. You want them to be in a place where they are loved, nurtured, supported, and taught by experienced, caring, and dedicated teachers.
But let’s be honest—choosing the right preschool can feel overwhelming. The Triangle area alone offers hundreds of options, and it’s easy to feel lost in the sea of possibilities. There are half-day preschools, part-time programs where your child attends only two or three days a week, schools that follow a traditional academic calendar, church-based programs, private schools with preschool divisions, cooperative learning environments… and the list goes on. It’s no wonder so many parents feel paralyzed by the sheer number of choices.
I get it. You want the very best for your child, and you don’t want to make this decision lightly. But how do you know which environment will truly fit your child’s needs and your family’s values? How do you cut through the noise and find the school that feels like a second home—a place where your child will thrive?
That’s where I come in. With years of experience in early childhood education and a deep understanding of best practices, I’ve helped dozens of families navigate this journey. My mission is to help you move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling confident in your choice. I’ll help you identify what matters most to your family and guide you toward a preschool that aligns with your goals and priorities.
Preschools in Durham
I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of preschools in the Durham and Chapel Hill area. This resource focuses on programs for children aged 2-5 and is designed to give you a clearer picture of what’s available. While this list is not exhaustive, it’s a valuable tool to help you begin narrowing your options. (Please note: this list does not include daycare facilities, as the focus is on preschools.)
Durham Preschools
SECULAR HALF DAY PROGRAMS
Family Preschool: A cooperative preschool for children ages 1-5. Ones and twos can select 2 or 3 mornings per week, threes attend 4 mornings per week, and preschoolers attend 5 mornings per week. Hours 9am-12pm.
Grey Stone Preschool and Kindergarten: A traditional play-based, half-day program offering classes for ages 2 through Kindergarten. The school day is 9-12, with an optional Lunch Bunch several days a week until 12:50.
CHURCH-BASED HALF DAY PRESCHOOLS
Aldersgate Weekday School: 9:00am-12:00pm Monday-Friday 1 year thru Pre-K
Crossroads Preschool: Monday – Thursday, 8:30-11:30am, with options to extend from 8-12; ages 2.5 – Pre-K
Duke Memorial Weekday School: A play based preschool for children ages 2-kindergarten. DMWS operates from September through May with additional summer camp offerings. School hours are from 9 a.m. until 12 noon, except kindergarten, which operates until 12:50 p.m. Lunch Bunch add-on can extend the day until 12:50pm for children ages 2 through pre-k for an additional fee.
Epworth Preschool: A half day play-based preschool for children ages 18 months- 5 years. The one, two, and three year old classes attend 9am-12pm with the option of Lunch Bunch for two and three year olds if a child is potty trained. The Pre-K and Transitional Pre-K classes attend 9am-1pm.
McMannen Preschool: Ones: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00-12:00. Twos: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00-12:00. Threes/Fours: Monday-Friday 9:00-12:00. Before School (optional) 8:00-9:00
St Paul’s Preschool and PMO: 9am – 12pm up to 5 days per week; 10 mos to 4 years old
Triangle Grace Preschool: 9 am-12 pm. Ages 2-5
Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church Weekday School
Waypoint Preschool: A part-time, Christian preschool and kindergarten. 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s – 9am-12pm with lunch bunch option till 1pm. Kindergarten – 9am-1pm
Westminster School for Young Children: Offers a half-day preschool program where children are encouraged to progress at their own growth and maturity level while experiencing a wide range of hands-on learning experiences. WSYC is for children 18 months through Pre-K.
FULL DAY PRESCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS WITH PRESCHOOL DIVISIONS
DURHAM PUBLIC PREK
Preschools in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill Preschools
SECULAR HALF DAY PRESCHOOLS
Children’s Cooperative Playschool
Weaver Dairy Community Preschool
Binkley Preschool: 9am-12pm or 9am- 1pm with optional Lunch Bunch — 2-5 years
Preschool at the Chapel of the Cross: A year-round preschool operating from September-August. 2’s, 3’s and 4’s, 8:15 AM – 12:15 PM.
University Presbyterian Preschool: Twos- 2 or 3 days @3 hours; Threes- 3 or 4 days @ 3 or 4 hours; Fours- 4 or 5 days @ 3 or 4 hours; Transitional Fives- 5 days @ 4 hours
CHURCH-BASED HALF DAY PRESCHOOLS
Christ Church Preschool: Classes for children ages 2-4. Every classroom has two teachers. Operates from 9:00-12:00, with some days extended for lunch.
Orange United Methodist Preschool: Hours are 8:30-12:30 for ages 14 months – 5 years
Preschool of the Warm Heart: 1 year olds thru Pre K, 8:45 am – 12:40 pm
University United Methodist Preschool: Meet daily from 9-12, with Lunch Bunch from 12-1, and are in session from September through May. Children ages 2-4
FULL DAY PRESCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS WITH PRESCHOOL DIVISIONS
CHAPEL HILL PUBLIC PREK
How to Find The Best Preschool for my Child
You probably weren’t counting, but that list contains 49 different preschools. Talk about overwhelming. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to help. Together, we can find a preschool where your child will not only learn but also flourish in a nurturing and supportive environment. Contact me today to start your journey.
